The parable of the prodigal. Containing, The riotous prodigal, or The sinners aversion from…

Obj. But some may say, We hope, that though our Executions are not so full, yet they are real; the quality is there, though• the equality be not; something we do, though not so much. Sol. To this I answer. 1. That it is most evident, that many persons do not by practise and execution answer their resolutions at ⟨p. 147⟩all; their resolution arise from such grounds as will not hold out to an execution and practice: If one should demand, what are become of the many sick-bed resolutions? of those that you made, when the hand of God was upon you? you vowed much unto God (as he did in a storm, &c.) but as the King said of Mordecai, What hath been done to Mordecai for this? so what have you done to make good your resolutions? I believe your hearts are speechless, your consciences do condemn you, that health hath been the time of more sinning, though sickness was the time of more resolving. The same may be said for others, whose consciences have been more actively and fiercely stirring; Oh! if the Lord would abate that wrath, and cool that inflamed spirit, &c. yet what are the fruits of many such resolutions. As the Devil said of Job, But now stretch forth thy hand, and he will curse thee of thy face; so here on the contrary, as soon as the Lord takes off his hand, these are as ready to continue and proceed on in their sins, as the Israelites were, when they were delivered out of the Land of Egypt, from the fiery furnace: Yea, and of others; is it not manifest that they are fare enough from present executions, when they voluntarily defer the acting part of Repentance to old age? Hereafter is time enough, &c.

Obj. But some may say, We hope, that though our Executions are not so full, yet they are real; the quality is there, though• the equality be not; something we do, though not so much. Sol. To this I answer. 1. That it is most evident, that many persons do not by practise and execution answer their resolutions at ⟨p. 147⟩all; their resolution arise from such grounds as will not hold out to an execution and practice: If one should demand, what are become of the many sick-bed resolutions? of those that you made, when the hand of God was upon you? you vowed much unto God (as he did in a storm, &c.) but as the King said of Mordecai, What hath been done to Mordecai for this? so what have you done to make good your resolutions? I believe your hearts are speechless, your consciences do condemn you, that health hath been the time of more sinning, though sickness was the time of more resolving. The same may be said for others, whose consciences have been more actively and fiercely stirring; Oh! if the Lord would abate that wrath, and cool that inflamed spirit, &c. yet what are the fruits of many such resolutions. As the Divel said of Job, But now stretch forth thy hand, and he will curse thee of thy face; so here on the contrary, as soon as the Lord takes off his hand, these are as ready to continue and proceed on in their sins, as the Israelites were, when they were delivered out of the Land of Egypt, from the fiery furnace: Yea, and of others; is it not manifest that they are fare enough from present executions, when they voluntarily defer the acting part of Repentance to old age? Hereafter is time enough, &c.